Babafemi Ojudu has criticised comparisons between younger musicians and Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, highlighting the late icon’s unmatched contributions to music, activism, and Nigerian society

Former senator Babafemi Ojudu has defended the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, saying no young musician can rival the late icon’s influence on music and activism.

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Ojudu’s remarks were prompted by the ongoing feud between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, Fela’s son, after the former suggested he is a greater artist than Fela.

On Facebook, Ojudu described Fela as a movement, a revolution, and a conscience who fearlessly opposed military dictatorships. “Even if he were to live ten lifetimes, his art and life could not be measured against Fela Anikulapo-Kuti,” he wrote.

He highlighted Fela’s achievements, including the creation of Afrobeat, over 200 arrests, imprisonment, torture, exile, and his relentless activism against corruption and state oppression. Ojudu noted that Fela’s influence is studied worldwide, sampled by global artists, and performed on the world’s biggest stages.

He added that any comparison with young musicians ignores the hardships Fela endured, including the burning of his Kalakuta Republic home, the murder of his mother, and repeated state harassment, all while maintaining his creative and political voice.

Ojudu concluded that Fela was a multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, philosopher, and cultural theorist whose fusion of jazz, highlife, funk, and Yoruba rhythms created an original and timeless musical legacy.

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The feud reportedly began after Wizkid claimed superiority over Fela, following provocations from Seun Kuti, who had criticised the singer’s fanbase.